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A doctoral candidate in mechanical and materials engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has designed a robotic alternative to the traditional colonoscope that physicians use when searching for pre-cancerous or cancerous polyps that can line the large intestine. According to the developer, Hossein Dehghani, he robot could help make the colonoscopy a painless and less costly procedure.

“Imagine a robot that deforms itself instead of deforming the colon,” said Dehghani, who designed the prototype as part of his dissertation. “That would decrease the pain significantly.”

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have discovered a new drug target for bowel cancer that is specific to tumour cells and therefore less toxic than conventional therapies. Most bowel cancers are caused by a mutation in a gene called APC that in its healthy form acts to prevent cancer formation. Mutated APC genes cause excess activity of a cell signalling pathway called 'Wnt', which has been associated with bowel cancer for over 20 years.

An experimental device that employs a pair of magnets offers surgeons a new safe and simple alternative to standard methods for creating an anastomosis for the first time in nearly 50 years. In its first proof-of-concept clinical trial in humans, the device was easy for surgeons to use, even with patients who required complicated surgical reconstruction. It also was safe; none of the patients had any complications related to the use of the device or the anastomosis it fashioned.

ConvaTec has introduced the GentleCath Glide, an intermittent catheter developed to provide simple, convenient hydrophilic catheterisation for daily users, in Europe. The availability of GentleCath Glide in European markets follows its launch in the US earlier this year, and will be supported by the roll out of the me+ programme for continence care, an extension of the company’s direct-to-consumer programme in ostomy care.

Ethicon has announced the launch of its ProxiSure Suturing Device, an advanced laparoscopic suturing device featuring Ethicon endomechanical, suture and curved needle technologies. The addition of ProxiSure builds upon Ethicon's expansive portfolio of suturing technologies while establishing a new standard of excellence in laparoscopic suturing, the company stated.

The FDA has approved Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Opdivo (nivolumab) injection for intravenous use for the treatment of adult and paediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan.

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) has announced that its new line of Snowden-Pencer 3.0mm laparoscopic ergonomic take-apart instruments received FDA 510(k) clearance for use in laparoscopic surgery. The new line of Snowden-Pencer 3.0mm laparoscopic ergonomic take-apart instruments are designed for micro-laparoscopic surgery and function like 5.0mm instruments. The jaw lengths of the devices mirror those of standard laparoscopic instruments, providing surgeons with a less invasive approach without compromising instrument functionality.

Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci X Surgical System has received CE Mark approval in Europe. The da Vinci X System will provide surgeons and hospitals with access to some of the most advanced robotic-assisted surgery technology at a lower cost, the company claims, and the launch of the da Vinci X System underscores Intuitive’s commitment to meeting customers’ needs with a strong value-oriented portfolio of cost-appropriate technologies and an array of financing options.

Check-Cap has received CE Mark approval for the C-Scan system, an ingestible capsule for preparation-free, colorectal cancer screening. The system offers an alternative to current colon cancer screening methods that require laxative preparation and invasive endoscopic procedures. This platform consists of a fully autonomous system that utilises an ingestible, ultra-low dose X-ray capsule combined with a state of the art wireless tracking system, enabling generation of structural information on the lumen of the colon.

The FDA has cleared Prescient Surgical’s CleanCision wound retraction and protection system for commercialisation in the US. Developed by surgeons and infection control experts, CleanCision is a new class of advanced technology designed to fight and defend against the most pervasive sources of surgical infection. Utilising active cleansing technology, CleanCision combines wound protection and irrigation into an intuitive and easy-to-use retraction system that actively, consistently, and continuously clears harmful bacteria that may invade the incision during surgery.

For people who suffer from constipation, it can be debilitating and significantly impact their quality of life - from a reluctance to attend social functions, hobbies and going to work, to going shopping or to the theatre - as well as living with chronic pain and bloating. Constipation is far more common than most people believe with one in seven of the UK population and up to one in every three children suffering from constipation at any one time1.

Medrobotics has received FDA regulatory clearance to market the Flex Robotic System for colorectal procedures in the US. According to the company, it is the first and only company to offer minimally invasive, steerable and shapeable robotic products for colorectal procedures in the US. The Flex Robotic System is the world’s first robotic surgical platform to offer Scarfree access to hard-to-reach anatomy in otolaryngology and colorectal procedures. This provides surgeons treatment options that may not be possible with straight, rigid instruments.

Ethicon has launched its Echeleon Flex GST System (45mm) across Europe, building on the success of the Echelon Flex 60mm Powered Plus Stapler with Gripping Surface Technology (GST). The Echeleon Flex GST System now offers both 45mm and 60mm endocutters with reloads, which is of mounting importance as more complex surgeries are being performed through minimally invasive approaches.

Intuitive Surgical has announced that its new da Vinci X Surgical System has received FDA clearance in the US. The da Vinci X System will provide surgeons and hospitals with access to some of the most advanced robotic-assisted surgery technology at a lower cost. FDA clearance of the da Vinci X System follows CE Mark, which was announced in April.

Ethicon has launched the Echelon Flex GST (Gripping Surface Technology) 45mm System in the US, the system is designed to control tissue movement in colorectal and thoracic surgery, and enable surgeons to transect as they intend, even in the most challenging tissue conditions. The Echelon Flex GST System is available in two lengths, 60mm and 45mm.

Ethicon has received approval from the FDA for its Echelon Circular Powered Stapler, designed to reduce anastomotic complications in colorectal, gastric and thoracic cancer surgeries. The circular anastomosis is one of the most critical steps in cancer surgery and has a high risk for complications. Complications can include leaks and bleeding which can require reoperation. Ethicon has designed the device in an effort to make measurable clinical and cost-of-care improvements for healthcare providers and patients globally.

Ethicon has launched the Enseal X1 Large Jaw Tissue Sealer, the first in a new generation of Enseal devices. The Enseal X1 Large Jaw Tissue Sealer has shown better sealing than LigaSure Impact through less bleeding, less thermal spread and better ergonomics, the company claims. Furthermore, the company stated that the device is a demonstration of its commitment to improving the surgeon experience and is designed to meet the demands of open procedures such as colectomies and hysterectomies.